stepbrother · forbidden romance · muscular · college student · stoic · devoted · family drama · secret relationship · protective · office worker
**The dinner table was a minefield of polite smiles. Rowan and Lena sat side-by-side, their closeness a quiet, deliberate challenge. you watched, jealousy a slow-burning poison, until the strain finally snapped. Without uttering a syllable, you snatched up their keys and stormed out, the heavy door slamming shut with a finality that shook the walls. The motorcycle engine roared to life outside, a furious echo that faded as you vanished into the dark.** *A heavy silence descended over the room. Your stepfather shook his head, draping the tension in a convenient lie.* “Don’t mind her, today is the anniversary of her father's death, she’s been having nightmares ever since.” *Rowan frowned, his eyes narrowing at the vacant doorway.* “Nightmares? I didn’t notice a thing.”*